BELGRADE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
Belgrade Library Community Room
January 3, 2017
7: 15 PM
Deputy Mayor Smith called the meeting to order. Council Members in attendance were: Brad
Cooper, Anne Koentopp, Jim Simon, Kristine Menicucci and Mark Criner.
Others in attendance were: City Manager Ted Barkley, City Attorneys Richard Ramler,
Planning Director Jason Karp, Ali Vasarella, Finance Director Diane Eagleson, Jason Guffey and John
Owens
ACTION:
Council Member Cooper moved to excuse Mayor Nelson. Council Member
Criner seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously.
APPROVE MINUTES of the November 15, 2016 Joint CVFD and Council Meeting, minutes of the
December 12, 2016 Council Working session; and minutes of the December 19, 2016 Council Meeting
ACTION:
Council Member Criner moved to approve the minutes of the November 15,
2016 Joint CVFD and Council Meeting, minutes of the December 12, 2016 Council Working
session; and minutes of the December 19, 2016 Council Meeting. Council Member Cooper
seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC FORUM
Deputy Mayor Smith called for public comment.
John Owens, residing
at
1108 West Park Street,
stated
that
as a citizen and a
tax
payer,
he felt it
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was reasonable to expect the service of adequate snow removal. He felt this issue has needed attention
for several years. Currently he observed that his street has only been plowed one time so far this
season. He inquired where the funds are being used since the plowing and clearing of streets is not
being accomplished. The snow continues to accumulate and is causing multiple problems including
difficulty for emergency services.
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General discussion followed regarding the
current
policy
on
plowing city
streets.
The
recent
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staffing shortages in the Public Works department over the past 2 weeks were also noted. City
Manager Barkley invited Mr. Owens to come into the City office where he could review the plowing
routes and look at the policy for more information.
Additional discussion followed regarding snow building up on Main Street near curbs and
gutters and the challenge of removing snow off the sidewalks for Main Street businesses. Council
commented
that
perhaps
the State
could
be
contacted so
they
could come
in to
remove
the
snow
1
like
they have in past years. Clearing the pedestrian walkway over the bridge is also a challenge as that
snow must be loaded out.
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Deputy
Mayor Smith
called
2
more
times for
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public comment,
of
4
there
was none.
REPORTS
Deputy
Mavor' s Report— The
Citv Attornev' s Renort— the
Deputy Mayor had nothing to report
City Attorney had nothing to report
Citv Manager' s Report
City Manager Barkley reported on his meeting with the Meadowlark Ranch Homeowner' s
Association about 2 weeks ago. They laid out the option to try and move their sidewalks to provide for
more parking in front oftheir homes, but Barkley noted it was clarified that this would not be paid for
by the City. Barkley agreed that the City would meet with them again in the spring and look at the
speeds of traffic that are going through the subdivision for possible adjushnents. Seasonal construction
traffic seems to be reduced.
Barkley reported that Montana Department of Environmental Quality( DEQ) has completed a
Sanitary Inspection of Belgrade' s water and waste water systems. The report was good, showing no
new concerns. Belgrade is in conformance.
Barkley reported that questions have come up about the status and preparation of our Skating
Rinks. Again, this work has been affected by the staffing shortage. Barkley noted that Winter Park is
already prepped and in use. Kiwanis Skating Rink is still under preparation and should be ready in a
few more days.
Barkley provided copies to the council of a draft resolution to ease regulations on obtaining a
liquor license, which is circulating the legislature now. It recognizes this concern as a local issue
which might assist smaller cities and towns, particularly related to Beer and Wine permits.
Barkley reported on the newly operating Emergency Alert Services system enabling any person
to sign up for emergency alert services offered through the Gallatin County Emergency Management
office. A link to this online portal is now also featured on the City of Belgrade Homepage.
Barkley reported on the anticipated delivery of much needed replacement vehicles for the
Public Works fleet, to be delivered sometime in the next 2 months. He also noted that the next council
meeting will also be on a Tuesday, due to holiday closure.
Barkley noted future agenda items including proposed plans for a regional lift station and
inviting Keith Waring, City Engineer, to speak on the subject; a proposed agreement for Revolving
Loan Fund services with Prospera/ Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District; a
proposed draft of the upcoming Public Safety Ballot question for a voted levy.
DISCUSSION AGENDA
6th
Consider Ordinance 2017- 1 to Vacate
a portion of
Reading, and Set Date for Public Hearing
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Street
south of
Central Avenue— First
City Planning Director Karp reviewed the proposed action as the next step in this process. He
February 6' for the public hearing. Ali Vasarella, ComQ Architects/ HRDC,
the traffic would flow around the development and how the housing access was planned.
recommended
ACTION:
reading to Vacate
noted how
Council Member Menicucci moved to approve Ordinance 2017- 1 upon first
6t Street between Central Avenue and Main Street and set the date for a
public hearing for February 6, 2017 and direct staff to publish and mail notices to meet the
statutory requirements. Council Member Criner seconded the motion.
Council Members voting Aye: Koentopp,
Council Member voting No: Cooper
Simon, Menicucci, Criner
Motion carried 4 to 1
Consider Resolution 2017- 1 to Appoint a Fire Marshall for the Citv of Belgrade to administer,
enforce, and carrv out the terms and provisions of the Fire Code
City Manager Barkley reviewed various aspects of the regulatory requirements. In order to
clarify the administration of our fire codes, this resolution specifically designates the Fire Marshall
with the enforcement authority to issue citations when needed. In view of new construction and
growth, this will formalize the authority.
ACTION: Council Member Koentopp moved to adopt Resolution 2017- 1 to Appoint
Bruce Hennequin as Fire Marshall for the City of Belgrade, to administer, enforce, and carry out
the terms and provisions of the Fire Code as stated. Council Member Simon seconded the
motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously.
Consider Board Appointments
Mervin Gundersen— Reappointment to the Police Commission— 3 year term
New Appoinhnent to the Park and Recreation Board— 2
Debra
Youngberg—
Robert Crum— New Appointment Application to the Board
year
term
of Adjustment— 3 year
term
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ACTION:
Council Member Koentopp moved to approve the new appointment of Debra
Youngberg to the Park Board and reappoint Mervin Gunderson to the Police Commission for
normal terms. Council Member Menicucci seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried
unanimously.
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TABLED—Council
agreed to Table the Application for the Board of Adjustment submitted by Robert
Crum until next council meeting to allow for Mayor Nelson' s consideration:
CONSENT AGENDA
Pavroll for December 2016
ACTION:
Council Member Cooper moved to approve the Payroll for December 2016.
Council Member Simon seconded the motion. All voted aye, motion carried unanimously.
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Council Member Cooper requested that Fire District board membership be clarified as a point
for discussion. If Belgrade becomes part of the district he wanted to have a council member as a board
member so they could have a vote on the Fire budget. City Manager Barkley agreed to check on who
can be a board of trustee member and who gets elected, or if they could serve on both.
Council Member Koentopp had nothing to report.
Council Member Simon reported attending a recent County Commission meeting and he asked
ifthey appoint our Planning Board members. He also asked if there are currently any vacancies that he
could let others know. Barkley noted he would find out how the appointments are made and the status
of the board.
Council Member Menicucci reported that the Library had received about$ 9,000 in grants and
gifts over the holidays not designated for the capital improvements. She also noted that a Capital
Expenditure meeting was scheduled for the 8' of January, Sunday.
Council Member Criner reported that he had a scheduling conflict with the joint meeting
scheduled
for
January
23rd
and asked if the time could be changed to 7pm.
Deputy Mayor Smith commented on News Yeaz' s Eve activities and he requested that the
Fireworks Ordinance be brought back for future consideration.
ADJOURN
Council Member Criner moved to adjourn the meeting at 8: 15pm p.m.
Russell C. Nelson, Mayor
tt t:.
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Susan Caldwell, City Clerk
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